A communications module to reinforce motivational interviewing concepts.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy education
• Communication skills training
• Patient-centered care

Background:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered communication technique beneficial for improving medication adherence.
• Teaching and learning MI can be challenging.
• This study details the development and evaluation of an MI module for pharmacy students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation of an introductory MI module for second-year pharmacy students.
• To adapt the module for reinforcement after a new first-year MI course.
• To compare MI skill competence between introductory and reinforcement modules.

Main Methods:

• An introductory MI module was delivered to second-year pharmacy students (2012-2013).
• A first-year MI course was implemented (2014), and the second-year module was modified for reinforcement.
• MI skills were assessed using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) cases before and after the curriculum change.

Main Results:

• Overall OSCE case scores significantly improved after the curriculum change (81.9% vs. 86.9%, p=0.001).
• Specific items assessing MI skills showed significant improvement.
• General communication skill scores remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a foundational MI course in the first year and a reinforcement module in the second year improved pharmacy students' MI skills.
• This educational model effectively introduces and reinforces MI competence.
• The findings provide a framework for integrating MI training into pharmacy curricula.